Bill > H3362

This bill, titled "Honoring as veterans certain persons who served in the National Guard and Reserves," proposes to officially recognize individuals who served in the National Guard or Reserves as "veterans" within the commonwealth, provided they received an honorable discharge and completed at least 20 years of service as calculated under a specific federal law (10 U.S.C. section 12732). While this designation acknowledges their service, the bill clarifies that this status alone will not make them eligible for benefits typically administered to veterans under existing laws. Furthermore, the commissioner will be tasked with creating an outreach program to ensure these reserve veterans are recognized for their service and included in honorary and ceremonial events for veterans across the commonwealth.